The United States Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) Wednesday announced an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for an opportunity for a project on Strengthening Investigative Journalism Sri Lanka.

DRL’s objective is increased capacity of Sri Lankan media and strengthened investigative journalism. DRL seeks proposals for activities that focus on building the capacity of journalists to provide quality, impartial reporting across a variety of media platforms with a special emphasis on investigative journalism. Recognizing that long term sustainability should also include training and support for media outlets, competitive proposals will incorporate activities that provide training for editors on advanced journalism, including how to support investigative journalism efforts, along with roundtable discussions with editors and/or media owners on how to encourage and enhance quality journalism. A key outcome of these activities should include increased coverage on reconciliation and transitional justice activities in the country. Strong consideration will be given to proposals that work to facilitate interaction among journalists and media institutions in the north/east and south as well as proposals that include an emphasis on women journalists.

Projects should have the potential to have an immediate impact leading to long-term sustainable reforms, and should have potential for continued funding beyond DRL resources. DRL prefers innovative and creative approaches rather than projects that simply duplicate or add to efforts by other entities. This does not exclude projects that clearly build off existing successful projects in a new and innovative way from consideration. DRL also strives to ensure its projects advance the rights and uphold the dignity of the most vulnerable or at-risk populations.

C. Eligibility Information

C.1 Eligible Applicants

DRL welcomes applications from U.S.-based and foreign-based non-profit organizations/nongovernment organizations (NGO) and public international organizations; private, public, or state institutions of higher education; and for-profit organizations or businesses. DRL’s preference is to work with non-profit entities; however, there may be occasions when a for-profit entity is best suited.

C.2 Cost Sharing or Matching

Providing cost sharing, matching, or cost participation is not an eligibility requirement for this NOFO.

C.3 Other

Applicants must have existing, or the capacity to develop, active partnerships with thematic or in‑country partners, entities and relevant stakeholders including industry and NGOs and have demonstrable experience in administering successful and preferably similar projects. DRL encourages applications from foreign-based NGOs headquartered in the geographic regions/countries relevant to this NOFO.

D. Application and Submission Information

D.1 Address to Request Application Package

Applicants can find application forms, kits, or other materials needed to apply on www.grants.gov and www.grantsolutions.gov under the announcement title “Strengthening Investigative Journalism in Sri Lanka” funding opportunity number DRLA-DRLAQM-16-056.

D.2Content and Form of Application Submission

For all application documents, please ensure:

1) All documents are in English and all costs are in U.S. dollars. If an original document within the application is in another language, an English translation must be provided.

D.3 Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

Applicants must have an active registration in SAM (www.sam.gov) prior to submitting an application.

D.4 Submission Dates and Times

Applications are due no later than 11:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), on March 23, 2016 on www.grants.gov or www.grantsolutions.gov under the announcement title “Strengthening Investigative Journalism in Sri Lanka” funding opportunity DRLA-DRLAQM-16-056.

D.5 Funding Restrictions

DRL will not consider applications that reflect any type of support for any member, affiliate, or representative of a designated terrorist organization. No entity listed on the Excluded Parties List System in SAM is eligible for any assistance.

D.6 Other

All application submissions must be made electronically via www.grants.gov or www.grantsolutions.gov.

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